The Oakland Running Festival (ORF) has only been around for five years, but you'd never know that from how well organized everything is, from start to finish. The marathon course is challenging, but it's fair; just do your due diligence when figuring out your pacing plans and by doing substantial hill ascents/descents in training. The community support for this race was top-notch, and in the 22 marathons I've run, this one was hands-down one of the most enjoyable. I'd highly recommend it.